Been Busy

Sorry for a lack of blogs, I have been very busy having submitted 513 pictures since my last blog. Thanks to the excellent weather the list of targets has many more black crossings out.
First of all was a geology trip out to Edale on the 19th April, this was to examine the south Pennine Orefield. An early train was caught to Sheffield before a change onto a local service. From Edale station I hiked over Hollin's cross to Odin mine (lead) before heading onto Castleton. In the town I tried to find the old mill but to no success, instead the walk up Cave Dale started (my first visit since summer 07). Three quarters up the basalt lava was encountered, a quick inspection found some nice fresh faces to look at. It was poorly amygdaloidal and poorly columnar. By now it was rather hot and still very sunny, the light was hazy. After leaving the dale I followed the path to Dirtlow Rake before heading onto Ashton’s lead mine. Passing Hope works I briefly stopped in Hope before walking to catch the train.

The next day was spent in Birmingham, Sarehole mill was the target. Sadly I can't submit internals, however Moseley Bog was explored.

Next was the trip home to Norfolk/Suffolk where I had a jam packed 2 weeks. I was going to visit the Nene Valley railway (I go from Leicester to Peterborough through to Norwich) but they had a locomotive I don't like with foreign stock so I gave it a miss. Instead I visited Railworld next door. This site was much better than expected with remains of the LNWR shed, few bits of stock and even a Bellis and Morcom steam engine.
Friday saw me on the Mid Norfolk railway northern section again, only submitted the one photo through as I didn't want to replicate myself
Saturday my parents suggested St Benet's Abbey, how could I refuse!
More abbey was on its way with the newly opened (2010) Langley Abbey which isn't far from me. A little over restored but fantastic photography wise.
Its previous use (steam mill) was of IA interest as well.

Next in line was a trip without the parents, a Norfolk/Suffolk tour. I had wanted to explore Thelnetham Windmill but even though it was advertised as opened it was locked up. After a bad start I reached Thetford and geographed the motte and bailey before heading off to Thetford Warren lodge, Weeting castle and a nice round barrow.

In the small village of Denver near Kings Lynn is a nice commercial windmill with public access. This was my main target, inside was a nice governor, blackstone engine and ex steam mill. Well worth the long trip.

Railways have taken a back step recently so to remedy this a trip to the East Anglian Railway museum was what the doctor ordered. Due to the distance I went on the train via Beccles, Ipswich and Colchester. Some nice GER carriages, wonderful station and goods shed. Had a fantastic few hours.

Bank holiday Monday saw me and my dad continue the railway theme with a revisit to Reepham and Whitwell railway, last visit was a month after the public opening in April 2009.

Suffolk was due for a visit, I hadn't done Saxstead Green internally so that was my first stop.

Framlingham Castle was one to do but BH traffic put a stop to that, instead I headed towards Leiston. Geographing the a little of the Sizewell nuclear freight branch.
My target was Eastbridge chapel, this was to compliment my set at Leiston Abbey.

Next was an unplanned stop at Dunwich to visit the attractions in this little village.

Still hungry for mills the Norfolk broads were calling.
Ashton Farm WP was my first, the footpath was closed so this was abandoned. Further up the road along the Acle straight is Palmers hollow WP, this was surprisingly freewheeling.

Ranworth broad has always been a favourite of mine since several school trips. This time the target was the church with its open tower and Langley Antiphoner.
The broads (NWT) centre was also visited.

This was my last Norfolk trip, back in mid/late June until October.
Chris Allen, a fellow IA enthusiast had invited me along to see Bestwood colliery north of Nottingham. This winder had had some lottery money, the restoration was fantastic. The volunteer guides were also excellent and obviously proud. Later on several ex lace mills in Beeston and Long Eaton provided new territory for the both of us.

Today was my last change to visit (this year) New Hall mill in Sutton Coldfield N of Birmingham. On arrival I was greeted by enthusiastic volunteers who were happy to assist and chat. It was also one of the best equipped I had visited with most of the machinery working, either via the 1949 diesel engine or waterwheel. A seriously good mill that is recommended.

Due to exams and independent mapping in June (Rum) geographing (at least IA) should show down/stop until I'm back in Norfolk. However it is Mills open WE 14/15th May, the parents are coming up. I have put down 5 to visit; Saturday is Wymondham and Whissendine, Sunday is Shepsted (Water), Kibworth (post) and Swannington.
Should be good!